Valve assembly with overpressure protection function and spray container with same

Abstract

According to the invention, a valve assembly capable of mitigating an overpressure condition is disclosed. The valve assembly includes: a mounting portion having a hollow portion therein and mounted on a mounting cup; a stem housing having a communication flow path communicating the hollow portion and the receiving space, and having an extension tube extending from the mounting portion; a valve stem, one side of which passes through a through hole formed in a central portion of the mounting cup and the other side of which is slidably disposed within the hollow portion, and which has an orifice selectively communicating with the hollow portion by sliding; and a flow path blocking valve portion configured to block an inlet of the communication flow path when an overpressure occurs. The flow path blocking valve portion includes: a closure member made of spherical steel; a fusible insert accommodated within the extension tube such that one side of the fusible insert faces the inlet when the fusible insert fully accommodates the closure member and retains the closure member therein, and is configured to melt at a preset temperature or higher to release the retention of the closure member, and to release the fusible insert from the inlet when the fusible insert fully accommodates the closure member and retains the closure member therein. Blocking a gap between the inlet and a closure arranged to cover the inlet; and a cover mounted on the extension tube to cover the other side of the fusible insert and configured to prevent displacement of the fusible insert within the extension tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a valve assembly capable of mitigating overpressure conditions, and a spray container including the valve assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a spray container is a container that is sealed inside a shell and uses internal pressure to spray the contents (liquid or gas) outwards. Typical examples of spray containers include portable gas containers, spray-on mosquito repellents, hairspray, portable spray fire extinguishers, and gas lighter containers.

[0003] Typically, a spray container includes a housing (canister) for containing the contents, a mounting cup fixed to the upper end of the housing, and a valve assembly fixed to a central protrusion of the mounting cup. The valve assembly is configured to remain sealed when the spray container is not in use and to allow the contents to be discharged only when the spray container is in use.

[0004] However, the spray container may become overpressurized during use or storage due to thermal, mechanical or chemical reasons. The valve assembly may discharge a predetermined amount of contents or remain sealed, which can cause the spray container to malfunction (expansion or deformation, etc.) when it becomes overpressurized.

[0005] Such malfunctions in spray containers can lead to dangerous situations such as explosions. Therefore, existing technologies employ additional structures to release overpressurized gas. However, these structures, by releasing large amounts of overpressurized gas at once, pose a risk of triggering other types of safety accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues One object of this disclosure is to provide a valve assembly with an overpressure relief function and a spray container including the valve assembly, the valve assembly being able to release overpressure when an overpressure state is reached, and having a more robust structure.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a valve assembly with an overpressure relief function and a spray container including the valve assembly, which can stably perform the overpressure relief function when an overpressure state is reached.

[0008] Technical solution To achieve the objectives of this disclosure, according to one embodiment, a valve assembly is provided, the valve assembly being mounted on a mounting cup fixed to the upper end of a housing, the housing including a receiving space. The valve assembly may include: a valve stem housing including a mounting portion and an extension tube, the mounting portion having a hollow portion and being mounted on the mounting cup, the extension tube having a communicating flow path connecting the hollow portion and the receiving space, and the extension tube extending from the mounting portion; a valve stem, one side of the valve stem passing through a through-hole formed in the center of the mounting cup, the other side of the valve stem being configured to allow sliding within the hollow portion, and the valve stem including an orifice selectively communicating with the hollow portion by sliding; and a flow path blocking valve portion configured to block the inlet of the communicating flow path in the event of overpressure, wherein the flow path... The sealing valve may include: a closure made of spherical steel; a fusible insert received within the extension tube such that, with the fusible insert fully receiving and retaining the closure within it, one side of the fusible insert faces the inlet, and the fusible insert is configured to seal the gap between the inlet and the closure, which is configured to cover the inlet, after melting at a preset temperature or higher to release the retention of the closure; and a cover mounted on the extension tube to cover the other side of the fusible insert and configured to prevent displacement of the fusible insert within the extension tube.

[0009] According to an example related to this disclosure, the cover may include a through-hole communicating the inlet and the receiving space, and a portion of the cover not forming the through-hole may be formed to overlap with a portion of the closure, thereby preventing the closure from flowing into the receiving space via the through-hole by displacing the closure from the fusible insert.

[0010] According to one example related to this disclosure, the central axis of the through hole may be formed to correspond to the central axis of the extension tube.

[0011] According to an example related to this disclosure, the cover may include: a first portion having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the extension tube; and a second portion formed at both ends of the first portion, the second portion having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the extension tube.

[0012] According to one example related to this disclosure, the extension tube may be made of the same material as the cover.

[0013] According to an example related to this disclosure, the fusible insert may include: a body portion formed in a hollow shape to receive the closure member therein; a first locking portion protruding at a predetermined interval along the inner circumference on one side of the body portion; and a second locking portion protruding at a predetermined interval along the inner circumference on the other side of the body portion and formed together with the first locking portion to prevent displacement of the closure member.

[0014] According to an example related to this disclosure, the first locking portion and the second locking portion may be alternately arranged along the axial direction of the main body.

[0015] According to an example related to this disclosure, each of the first locking portion and the second locking portion may include: a first inclined portion protruding to be inclined from the outside toward the inside receiving the closure; and a second inclined portion protruding to be inclined from the inside receiving the closure toward the outside at an angle greater than that of the first inclined portion.

[0016] According to an example related to this disclosure, when the fusible insert melts, the closure can be received and locked at the inlet, and the fusible insert can be thermally fused with the closure locked at the inlet and the inlet.

[0017] According to one example related to this disclosure, the end of the inlet may include a step portion that protrudes inward, causing the closure to be locked.

[0018] According to one example related to this disclosure, the extension tube may include a receiving groove formed on a peripheral portion of the inlet, and the receiving groove is configured to receive a portion of the fusible insert when the fusible insert melts.

[0019] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a spray container is provided, the spray container including the valve assembly.

[0020] Beneficial effects The effects achieved by the above technical solution are as follows.

[0021] The valve assembly disclosed herein includes a flow path blocking valve section that blocks the inlet of the connecting flow path in the event of overpressure. This flow path blocking valve section includes a closure made of spherical steel. Furthermore, when the spray container reaches an overpressure state, a fusible insert melts, releasing the retention of the closure, which is restricted from displacement in a fully receptive state. In this case, the fusible insert is configured to fall and block the gap between the closure and the inlet, which is configured to cover the inlet of the connecting flow path. Therefore, the inlet of the connecting flow path is sealed by the closure and the fusible insert, which solidifies over time, thereby allowing the spray container to release overpressure. Additionally, the other side of the fusible insert is supported by a cover disposed within an extension tube facing the other side of the fusible insert, thereby preventing displacement of the fusible insert due to pressure during the filling of the spray container with contents. Therefore, a valve assembly with overpressure relief function and a more robust structure, as well as a spray container including this valve assembly, can be provided.

[0022] Furthermore, the cover provided in the valve assembly of this disclosure includes a through-hole that connects the inlet of the flow path and the receiving space, and the central axis of the through-hole can be formed to correspond to the central axis of the extension tube. According to this structure of the valve assembly, a support structure relative to the inner circumferential surface of the extension tube can be uniformly formed, and the inner circumferential surface of the extension tube can be more stably supported by the cover. Therefore, under overpressure conditions in the spray container, deformation of the inlet of the extension tube is minimized, thereby ensuring the flow path formed between the receiving space of the spray container and the fusible insert. Therefore, under overpressure conditions, the overpressure release function that occurs as the fusible insert melts can be achieved more stably. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of a valve assembly and a spray container including the valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 The valve assembly shown is installed on Figure 1 A perspective view showing the state of the mounting cup.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the valve assembly shown.

[0026] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the cross-section of the valve assembly shown.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The valve assembly shown is a cross-sectional view.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of part A shown.

[0029] Figure 7 It shows including Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the valve assembly with its spray container installed in the receiving section of the spray container.

[0030] Figure 8 and Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The enlarged view of part B shown, and the conceptual diagram showing the state of the spray container before and after reaching overpressure.

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 The perspective view, top view, and sectional view of the fusible insert are shown.

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 The cover shown includes perspective, top view, and sectional view.

[0033] Figure 12 This is observed from the inlet side of the extension tube. Figure 2 A view showing a portion of the state of the valve assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will provide a more detailed account of the valve assembly with overpressure relief function and the spray container including the valve assembly.

[0035] In this specification, even in different embodiments, the same or similar structures are referred to by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0036] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of a valve assembly 100 and a spray container 10 including the valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 For ease of explanation, the middle portion of the spray container 10 along the longitudinal direction is shown with the structure between the two tangents omitted, which is considered unnecessary. However, only a portion of the side surface of the spray container 10 between the two tangents is omitted. In fact, each side surface of the spray container 10 extends in the vertical direction and is connected to each other.

[0039] The shell 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes an internal receiving space 11a1, thereby being configured to contain contents such as fluids, gases or sprayed gases.

[0040] The housing 11 includes a main body 11a with an internal receiving space 11a1, and a lower sealing cover 11b and an upper sealing cover 11c that respectively seal the two ends of the main body 11a. The lower sealing cover 11b may be formed into a curved shape toward the receiving space 11a1, and through this structure, when a preset level or higher overpressure is applied to the receiving space 11a1, the lower sealing cover 11b may deform, thereby expanding the volume of the receiving space 11a1.

[0041] The upper sealing cap 11c can be attached to the body 11a to seal the upper part of the body 11a. The upper sealing cap 11c can form a roll-on connection portion 11c1 so that it can contact the mounting cup 12 by bending or rolling. The roll-on connection portion 11c1 is formed along the edge of the mounting cup 12. In the spray container 10, the lower end of the upper sealing cap 11c and the body 11a can be connected in an expanded necking manner. However, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to this; at the lower end of the upper sealing cap 11c, the body 11a can be connected in a constricted necking manner. In this case, the body 11a can be formed to extend straight in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] The casing 11 can contain high-pressure gaseous or liquid fuel and can be formed in the form of a metal canister or the like capable of withstanding a preset internal pressure. However, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to this; insecticides, air fresheners, cosmetics, etc., can be contained in the casing 11.

[0043] In addition, the mounting cup 12 for supporting the valve assembly 100 is connected to the upper end of the upper sealing cover 11c.

[0044] The mounting cup 12 includes, for example, a locking part 12c for mounting on fuel-consuming equipment such as a gas stove, and a protrusion 12b at the center of the mounting cup 12 for securing the valve assembly 100. However, depending on the specific circumstances, the locking part 12c may be absent or may be formed in a different shape. For example, as another form of the locking part 12c, when cosmetics or insecticides are contained in the housing 11, a cover with a spray button may be installed.

[0045] Figure 2 This shows the valve assembly 100 installed. Figure 1 A perspective view of the state of the mounting cup 12 shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the valve assembly 100 shown. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of a cross-section of the valve assembly 100 shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The valve assembly 100 shown is a cross-sectional view.

[0046] Reference Figures 2 to 5The mounting cup 12 includes a notch 12d formed on one side of the locking portion 12c so that it can be installed on an external device that can mount the spray container 10, such as a gas stove, a gas burner, etc. The notch 12d is configured to face the upper side of the receiving portion of the spray container 10 when the spray container 10 is installed in the receiving portion of the spray container 10 of the external device.

[0047] Meanwhile, the valve assembly 100 includes a valve stem 120 and a valve stem housing 110 for ejecting the contents filled in the receiving space 11a1 outward by pressing.

[0048] A through hole 12a is formed in the upper center of the protrusion 12b of the mounting cup 12.

[0049] An annular opening / closing member 123 is installed on the inner surface of the upper end of the protrusion 12b of the mounting cup 12 to cover a portion of the through hole 12a.

[0050] The valve stem 120 is mounted on the upper end of the protrusion 12b of the mounting cup 12, allowing it to slide vertically via the opening / closing member 123. The upper part of the valve stem 120 passes through (or penetrates) the central hole and through hole 12a of the opening / closing member 123 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 11. The lower part of the valve stem 120 is configured to be accommodated within the upper end of the protrusion 12b of the mounting cup 12. Furthermore, a connecting groove 124 is formed circumferentially on the side surface of the valve stem 120, the inner circumference of the opening / closing member 123 is inserted into and connected to the connecting groove 124, and the valve stem 120 can slide vertically via the support of the opening / closing member 123.

[0051] An exhaust port 121 is formed extending downward from the upper end of the valve stem 120. An orifice 122 is formed between the lower end of the exhaust port 121 and the connecting groove 124, and the exhaust port 121 can communicate with the receiving space 11a1 of the housing 11 through the orifice 122. In this case, the opening / closing member 123 surrounds the connecting groove 124 of the valve stem 120, and the orifice 122 can be selectively opened and closed by sliding the valve stem 120.

[0052] The valve stem housing 110 may include a mounting portion 111 and an extension tube 112.

[0053] The mounting section 111 has a hollow section 111a, and the extension tube 112 includes a connecting flow path for connecting the hollow section 111a and the receiving space 11a1 of the housing 11. The hollow section 111a can be selectively connected to the vent 121 through the orifice 122.

[0054] A portion of the mounting portion 111 is housed within the protrusion 12b of the mounting cup 12 and includes a hollow portion 111a, allowing the lower portion of the valve stem 120 to slide within the hollow portion 111a. In this configuration, the upper end of the mounting portion 111 is configured to support the outer periphery of the opening / closing member 123.

[0055] The mounting part 111 is provided with a valve spring 113, and the valve spring 113 is configured to elastically support the lower part of the valve stem 120.

[0056] The extension tube 112 is provided with a connecting flow path, and the hollow part 111a and the receiving space 11a1 of the shell 11 are configured to be connected to each other through the connecting flow path.

[0057] The extension tube 112 extends from the mounting portion 111 and can be formed in a generally L-shape. More specifically, the extension tube 112 can be composed of a first extension 112a extending from the mounting portion 111 toward the lower sealing cover 11b and a second extension 112b formed by bending from the first extension 112a. Here, the second extension 112b can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the first extension 112a.

[0058] According to this structure of the extension tube 112, the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1 can be constructed with a first connecting flow path portion 112a1 and a second connecting flow path portion 112b1. The first connecting flow path portion 112a1 extends in a direction that is the same as or similar to the longitudinal direction of the housing 11 or the sliding direction of the valve stem 120, and the second connecting flow path portion 112b1 extends from the first connecting flow path portion 112a1 in the transverse direction of the housing 11. The second connecting flow path portion 112b1 can extend in a direction that intersects with the side surface of the housing 11. The upper end of the first connecting flow path portion 112a1 communicates with the hollow portion 111a, and the end of the second connecting flow path portion 112b1 is configured to be spaced apart from the upper sealing cap 11c, thereby enabling communication with the receiving space 11a1.

[0059] The following will refer to Figure 6 The gas outflow mechanism of valve assembly 100 will be described.

[0060] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of part A shown.

[0061] When the spray container 10 is installed horizontally in the receiving part of the spray container 10 of an external device (gas stove or gas burner, etc.), the notch 12d of the mounting cup 12 faces the upper part of the receiving part of the spray container 10, and the second communicating flow path 112b1 of the valve stem housing 110 is also set to face upward.

[0062] When using a liquid fuel spray container 10, the liquid fuel may sink along the direction of gravity during use, and the gaseous fuel that evaporates into the upper space of the receiving space 11a1 based on the virtual longitudinal centerline of the shell 11 can flow into the hollow part 111a through the second connecting flow path 112b1 and the first connecting flow path 112a1.

[0063] The valve stem 120 can be pressed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 11, and by pressing, the valve spring 113 is compressed, and the valve stem 120 slides toward the receiving space 11a1. By sliding the valve stem 120, the inner periphery of the opening / closing member 123 is pushed toward the receiving space 11a1, thereby opening the orifice 122 and allowing gaseous fuel in the receiving space 11a1 to be sprayed to the outside from the hollow portion 111a of the valve stem housing 110 via the valve stem 120. When the pressure on the valve stem 120 is released, the valve stem 120 slides toward the opposite side of the receiving space 11a1 by the restoring force of the compressed valve spring 113, thereby stopping the spraying of the contents.

[0064] The following will combine Figures 1 to 6 and refer to Figures 7 to 9 The operating mechanism of the flow path blocking valve section 130 will be described in more detail.

[0065] Figure 7 It shows including Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 100 with the spray container 10 installed in the receiving portion of the spray container 10. Figure 8 and Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The enlarged view of part B shown, and the conceptual diagram showing the state of the spray container 10 before and after reaching the overpressure state.

[0066] According to this disclosure, the spray container 10 may reach an overpressure state during use or storage due to thermal, mechanical or chemical reasons. In this case, the flow path blocking valve 130 can be configured to close the valve stem housing 110 so that the contents of the receiving space 11a1 in the housing 11 will not leak to the outside.

[0067] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The flow path blocking valve 130 includes a closure 131, a fusible insert 132, and a cover 133.

[0068] The closure 131 is made of spherical steel. That is, the closure 131 can have a spherical shape. In addition, for example, the diameter of the closure 131 can be formed to be 2.5 mm.

[0069] The fusible insert 132 is received (accommodated) within the extension tube 112 such that, with the fusible insert 132 fully receiving (accommodating) the closure 131 and retaining the closure 131 within it, one side of the fusible insert 132 faces the inlet 112b1a. The fusible insert 132 melts at a preset temperature or higher, and after releasing the retention of the closure 131, the fusible insert 132 serves to seal the gap between the closure 131 and the inlet 112b1a, which is configured to cover the inlet 112b1a.

[0070] In other words, when the spray container 10 reaches an overpressure state for any reason, the fusible insert 132 melts as the internal temperature of the spray container 10 rises, thereby performing the action of blocking the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow path.

[0071] More specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, in a normal state, the fusible insert 132 is solid and is configured to retain and hold the closure 131 within it. In this case, the closure 131 is configured to be fully received within the fusible insert 132 and held in a held state without falling down.

[0072] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, when overpressure occurs within the spray container 10, the fusible insert 132 melts, maintaining the liquefaction of the structure of the closure 131. The closure 131, due to gravity, falls earlier than the melting of the fusible insert 132. In this case, the closure 131 falls to the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1 and is positioned to cover the inlet 112b1a. Subsequently, the molten fusible insert 132 flows downward later than the closure 131 and seals the gap between the closure 131 covering the inlet 112b1a and the connecting flow path inlet 112b1a. In other words, the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1 is configured to be completely blocked by the closure 131 and the fusible insert 132.

[0073] In this configuration, when the fusible insert 132 melts, the closure 131 can be received and locked at the entrance 112b1a of the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1. For example, the depth of the entrance 112b1a of the connecting flow path is formed to be greater than the size of the closure 131, thereby allowing the closure to be fully received at the entrance 112b1a of the connecting flow path. Alternatively, the depth of the entrance 112b1a of the connecting flow path may also be formed to be greater than the size of the closure 131. In this case, with the closure 131 received at the entrance 112b1a of the connecting flow path, a portion deviating outward from the entrance 112b1a of the connecting flow path may occur.

[0074] Furthermore, at the end of the inlet 112b1a connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1, a stepped portion 112b1b can be provided, which protrudes inward to lock the closure 131. Additionally, the fusible insert 132 can be configured to be thermally fused with the closure 131 locked at the inlet 112b1a and with the inlet 112b1a itself. For example, in the event of overpressure, with the closure 131 fully received within the inlet 112b1a, the fusible insert 132 can be used to cover the entire inlet 112b1a.

[0075] In addition, the extension tube 112 may include a receiving groove 112d.

[0076] A receiving groove 112d can be formed at the periphery of the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1. The receiving groove 112d can be formed to have a predetermined depth and can be formed around the outside of the inlet 112b1a. The receiving groove 112d is configured to receive a portion of the fusible insert 132 when overpressure occurs and the fusible insert 132 melts. Therefore, the fusible insert 132 thermally fused with the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1 and the fusible insert 132 received in the receiving groove 112d can be integrally connected to form a whole. According to this structure, the fixed state of the closure 131, which is configured to close the inlet 112b1a, can be maintained more stably, thereby more stably preventing the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1 from being reopened and the overpressure gas from leaking to the outside of the spray container 10.

[0077] Simultaneously, overpressure occurs within the spray container 10, and as the fusible insert 132 melts and the gap between the closure 131 covering the inlet 112b1a and the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow path is blocked, the overpressure in the spray container 10 is released and the temperature decreases over time, causing the molten fusible insert 132 to solidify again. In this case, the solidified and re-solidified fusible insert 132 can be used to firmly maintain the structure formed to completely block the closure 131 and the peripheral gap of the closure 131. Therefore, even after the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow path is blocked by the flow path blocking valve 130, continuous application of gas pressure can prevent the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1 from reopening.

[0078] A cover 133 is mounted on the extension tube 112 to cover the other side of the fusible insert 132, thereby preventing displacement of the fusible insert 132 within the extension tube 112. More specifically, when the contents are filled into the spray container 10 and gas is sprayed, gas pressure is generated in the direction opposite to the direction in which the fusible insert 132 is inserted into the extension tube 112. The valve assembly 100 includes the cover 133, thus effectively preventing displacement of the fusible insert 132 within the extension tube 112 during filling of contents and spraying of gas.

[0079] Furthermore, the cover 133 can be configured such that at least a portion of its outer peripheral surface contacts the inner peripheral surface of the extension tube 112, thereby supporting the extension tube 112. Thus, the extension tube 112 is structurally supported by the cover 133, preventing deformation due to temperature rise during overpressure. Conversely, without the cover 133, the extension tube 112 may thermally shrink and deform during overpressure.

[0080] Furthermore, although not shown in the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, the cover 133 may also be formed with a C-shaped cross section instead of an annular cross section. Therefore, the cover 133 is constructed to have elastic force, thereby improving the operability of the process of assembling the cover 133 into the extension tube 112 while performing the functions of the cover 133 described above in the same or similar manner.

[0081] As described above, the cover 133 can perform two functions simultaneously: preventing the fusible insert 132, which fully receives the closure 131, from shifting when the contents are filled; and preventing the extension tube 112 from deforming by supporting the inner circumferential surface of the extension tube 112 in the event of overpressure.

[0082] Meanwhile, the ends of the cover 133 and the receiving space 11a1 side of the extension tube 112 can be formed to overlap each other. Therefore, the cover 133 can be constructed to support the entire longitudinal portion of the extension tube 112, thereby more stably preventing deformation of the extension tube 112.

[0083] The cover 133 may include a through-hole 133a that connects the inlet 112b1a of the flow path and the receiving space 11a1. Here, the central axis 133a1 of the through-hole 133a may be formed to correspond to the central axis 112c of the extension tube 112. For example, the central axis 133a1 of the through-hole 133a may be formed to coincide with the central axis 112c of the extension tube 112.

[0084] Based on this structure of the valve assembly 100, the support structure for the inner circumferential surface of the extension tube 112 is uniformly formed, thereby enabling the cover 133 to more stably support the inner circumferential surface of the extension tube 112. Consequently, under overpressure conditions in the spray container 10, the deformation of the inlet 112b1a of the extension tube 112 is minimized, thus ensuring the flow path formed between the receiving space 11a1 of the spray container 10 and the fusible insert 132. Therefore, the overpressure release function of the flow path blocking valve section 130, achieved by melting the fusible insert 132 when the spray container 10 reaches an overpressure state, can be performed more stably.

[0085] As described above, the valve assembly 100 includes a flow path blocking valve section 130 that blocks the inlet 112b1a connecting the flow paths 112a1 and 112b1 in the event of overpressure. Furthermore, the flow path blocking valve section 130 includes a closure 131 made of spherical steel. In this case, when the spray container 10 reaches an overpressure state, the fusible insert 132 melts, releasing the retention of the closure 131, which is in a fully received and displacement-restricted state, and falls to block the gap between the closure 131 and the inlet 112b1a, which is configured to cover the inlet 112b1a connecting the flow paths 112a1 and 112b1.

[0086] Therefore, the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow paths 112a1 and 112b1 is closed by the closure member 131 and the fusible insert 132, which solidifies over time, thereby releasing overpressure from the spray container 10. Simultaneously, the other side of the fusible insert 132 is supported by a cover member 133 positioned inside the extension tube 112 facing the other side of the fusible insert 132, thus preventing displacement of the fusible insert 132 due to pressure during the filling of contents into the spray container 10. Therefore, a valve assembly 100 with overpressure relief function and a more robust structure, and a spray container 10 including the valve assembly 100, can be provided.

[0087] Meanwhile, the fusible insert 132 can be formed to melt at a temperature above 100°C and below 130°C, while the cover 133 can be formed to have a melting point at least 30°C higher than the melting point of the fusible insert 132. For example, the cover 133 can be formed to have a melting point of 165°C.

[0088] In addition, the cover 133 can be made of polyoxymethylene (acetal resin).

[0089] Furthermore, the extension tube 112 can be made of the same material as the cover 133. That is, the extension tube 112 can be made of polyoxymethylene (acetal resin). In addition, the extension tube 112 can be formed to have a melting point of 165°C, similar to the melting point of the cover 133.

[0090] Meanwhile, the cover 133 can be made of a material with a higher melting point than the extension tube 112. Therefore, the cover 133 is made of a material with better heat resistance than the extension tube 112, so that even if the extension tube 112 melts first in the event of overpressure, the cover 133 can stably support the extension tube 112. Thus, deformation of the extension tube 112 can be prevented more effectively.

[0091] The following will refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The structure of the fusible insert 132 and the cover 133 will be described in more detail.

[0092] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 Perspective view, top view and sectional view of the fusible insert 132 shown. Figure 11 yes Figure 5 Perspective view, top view and sectional view of cover 133 shown.

[0093] First, refer to Figure 10 The fusible insert 132 may include a main body 132a, a first locking part 132b, and a second locking part 132c.

[0094] The main body 132a may be formed in a hollow shape to accommodate the closure 131 in the main body 132a.

[0095] The first locking portion 132b may protrude along the inner circumference of one side of the main body portion 132a at a predetermined interval.

[0096] The second locking portion 132c can protrude along the inner circumference of the main body portion 132a at a predetermined interval on the other side, thereby forming a mechanism together with the first locking portion 132b to prevent the closure member 131 from shifting.

[0097] Here, the first locking part 132b and the second locking part 132c can each be configured as multiple.

[0098] Furthermore, the first locking portion 132b and the second locking portion 132c can be alternately arranged along the axis 132a1 of the main body portion 132a. That is, when viewed from one side of the main body portion 132a, the first locking portion 132b and the second locking portion 132c can be configured to not overlap. According to this structure of the first locking portion 132b and the second locking portion 132c, even if the number of the first locking portion 132b and the second locking portion 132c is relatively small, the first locking portion 132b and the second locking portion 132c forming the closure member 131 retaining structure can be arranged more densely, thereby more effectively preventing the closure member 131 from shifting.

[0099] Furthermore, the first locking portion 132b and the second locking portion 132c can be symmetrically formed at the two ends of the main body portion 132a. As a result, there is no need to distinguish the direction when assembling the fusible insert 132 into the extension tube 112, and the assembly of the fusible insert 132 can be performed more conveniently.

[0100] Meanwhile, the first locking portion 132b and the second locking portion 132c may respectively include the first inclined portions 132b1 and 132c1 and the second inclined portions 132b2 and 132c2.

[0101] The first inclined portions 132b1 and 132c1 may protrude to be inclined from the outside toward the inside of the receiving closure 131. For example, the first inclined portions 132b1 and 132c1 may be formed to have first inclined angles 132b1a and 132c1a.

[0102] The second inclined portions 132b2 and 132c2 may protrude to be inclined from the inside of the receiving closure 131 toward the outside at an angle greater than that of the first inclined portions 132b1 and 132c1. For example, the second inclined portions 132b2 and 132c2 may be formed to have second inclined angles 132b2a and 132c2a that are greater than the first inclined angles 132b1a and 132c1a.

[0103] Based on this structure of the first locking portion 132b and the second locking portion 132c, during the process of inserting the closure member 131 into the fusible insert 132, the closure member 131 is guided by the relatively gently inclined first inclined portions 132b1 and 132c1, thereby allowing it to be easily inserted into the interior of the fusible insert 132. In other words, the force required to insert the closure member 131 into the fusible insert 132 can be reduced, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the closure member 131.

[0104] Conversely, by tilting the relatively steep second inclined portions 132b2 and 132c2, the phenomenon of the closure 131 inserted into the fusible insert 132 shifting to the outside of the fusible insert 132 can be stably prevented.

[0105] Reference Figure 11 The cover 133 may include a first part 133b and a second part 133c.

[0106] The outer diameter of the first part 133b may be larger than the inner diameter of the extension tube 112. The first part 133b is formed to support the inner periphery of the extension tube 112.

[0107] The second portion 133c is formed at both ends of the first portion 133b, and the outer diameter of the second portion 133c may be smaller than the inner diameter of the extension tube 112. Furthermore, with the first portion 133b as the center, the second portions 133c at both ends of the cover 133 may be formed symmetrically to each other.

[0108] According to this structure of the cover 133, there is no need to distinguish the orientation when assembling the cover 133 into the extension tube 112, thereby improving user convenience by making the assembly of the cover 133 easier.

[0109] The following will refer to Figure 12 The structure for preventing displacement of the closure 131 housed in the fusible insert 132 will be described.

[0110] Figure 12 This is observed from the inlet 112b1a side of the extension tube 112. Figure 2 A view of a portion of the state of the valve assembly 100 shown.

[0111] Reference Figure 12 The portion without the through hole 133a can be formed to overlap with a portion of the closure 131, thereby preventing the closure 131 from flowing into the receiving space 11a1 via the through hole 133a of the cover 133 by displacing the closure 131 from the fusible insert 132.

[0112] More specifically, when the contents are filled into the spray container 10 and the gas is sprayed, gas pressure is generated in the direction opposite to the direction in which the fusible insert 132 is inserted into the extension tube 112. In this case, the gas pressure acts not only on the fusible insert 132, but also on the closure 131 received in the fusible insert 132.

[0113] Therefore, even if the structure of the fusible insert 132 that holds the closure 131 is damaged by gas pressure, and the closure 131 shifts within the fusible insert 132, the portion of the cover 133 without the through hole 133a will overlap with a portion of the closure 131, thereby preventing the closure 131 from shifting within the extension tube 112. Furthermore, even in this case, when overpressure occurs, the closure 131 can still function normally, together with the fusible insert 132, to block the inlet 112b1a of the connecting flow path.

[0114] The above description is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the scope and technical teachings of the embodiments. The embodiments can be implemented individually or in any combination.

Claims

1. A valve assembly mounted on a mounting cup fixed to the upper end of a housing, the housing including a receiving space, the valve assembly comprising: A valve stem housing, the valve stem housing including a mounting portion and an extension tube, the mounting portion having a hollow portion and being mounted on the mounting cup, the extension tube having a communicating flow path connecting the hollow portion and the receiving space, and the extension tube extending from the mounting portion; A valve stem, one side of which passes through a through hole formed in the center of the mounting cup, the other side of which is configured to allow sliding within the hollow portion, and the valve stem includes an orifice that selectively communicates with the hollow portion by sliding. as well as A flow path blocking valve is configured to block the inlet of the communicating flow path in the event of overpressure. The flow path blocking valve includes: A closure element, said closure element being made of spherical steel; A fusible insert, received within the extension tube, such that, with the fusible insert fully receiving and retaining the closure within it, one side of the fusible insert faces the inlet, and the fusible insert is configured to seal the gap between the inlet and the closure configured to cover the inlet after melting at a preset temperature or higher to release the retention of the closure; and A cover is mounted on the extension tube to cover the other side of the fusible insert, and the cover is configured to prevent the fusible insert from shifting within the extension tube.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cover includes a through-hole connecting the inlet and the receiving space, and a portion of the cover not forming the through-hole is formed to overlap with a portion of the closure, thereby preventing the closure from flowing into the receiving space via the through-hole by displacing the closure from the fusible insert.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The central axis of the through hole corresponds to the central axis of the extension tube.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The cover includes: The first part has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the extension tube; and The second part is formed at both ends of the first part, and the outer diameter of the second part is smaller than the inner diameter of the extension tube.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The extension tube is made of the same material as the cover.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fusible insert includes: The main body is formed in a hollow shape to receive the closure member within the main body; A first locking portion, the first locking portion protruding at a predetermined interval along the inner circumference on one side of the main body portion; and The second locking portion protrudes at a predetermined interval along the inner circumference on the other side of the main body portion and is formed together with the first locking portion to prevent the closure member from shifting.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The first locking portion and the second locking portion are alternately arranged along the axial direction of the main body.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the first locking portion and the second locking portion includes: A first inclined portion, protruding to be inclined from the outside toward the inside receiving the closure; and The second inclined portion protrudes to tilt from the inside of the receiving closure toward the outside at a larger angle than the first inclined portion.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the fusible insert melts, the closure is received and locked at the inlet, and the fusible insert, the closure locked at the inlet, and the inlet are thermally fused together.

10. The valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The end of the inlet includes a stepped portion that protrudes inward so that the closure is locked.

11. The valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The extension tube includes a receiving groove formed at a peripheral portion of the inlet, and the receiving groove is configured to receive a portion of the fusible insert when the fusible insert melts.

12. A spray container comprising a valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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